Yesterday I had two nurses make anti-Mexican statements. The first was a new nurse who moved from Montana and made these statements in the medroom. She's having trouble adjusting to the hospital, which does have a considerable Mexican population, but I haven't noticed the Mexicans being particularly difficult patients, they seem to come in all stripes. I made some soothing comments and changed the subject.
The second statement was made during report, I was telling the story of a patient who was a real psychosocial disaster, very difficult, a total drain on society type, we had to move her roomate the woman was so loud, obnoxious and off the wall. She had a Spanish last name so the nurse I reported to made a derogatory remark. I told him that I didn't think this woman was Mexican but was married to one, thus nipping that one in the bud. He made this comment at the nurses station within earshot of everyone!
Meanwhile, we have Hispanic coworkers galore, most of whom are awesome people! I suppose a few Hispanic workers might also resent non-Hispanics, but I find the whole thing appalling. It always blindsides me! I need to practice a witty comeback, like the fact that my husband's half sisters are half Mexican (true).
